Starting a weight loss journey feels a lot like tightening the grip on your eating habits. Workouts become your new best friend, and suddenly, you’re scanning every food label that crosses your path. Among the usual suspects for weight gain, bread often gets a bad rap.
But does it really deserve to sit on the bench while you chase after your fitness goals? Mathilde Gibeaux, a distinguished dietitian based in Paris and the president of the Association Miam, sheds some light on this for us bread-loving folks.
Why Does Bread Get a Bad Rep?
Let’s face it, from the warm embrace of a freshly baked baguette to the comfort of a soft sandwich loaf, bread holds a special place in our hearts and on our tables. But when it comes to sculpting that summer body, bread is frequently cast as the villain. The misconception here isn’t about its caloric content—after all, bread’s primary ingredients aren’t exactly heavy hitters in the calorie department.
The real issue stems from its complex carbohydrates. These carbs fuel our day but can also end up as unwanted reserves if we’re not careful, particularly if we’re talking white bread with its sneaky high glycemic index, according to Gibeaux.
However, before you swear off your crusty companions, it’s important to realize that moderation and smart choices can keep bread in your diet without derailing your weight loss efforts.
How to Enjoy Bread and Still Lose Weight
If the thought of cutting bread out of your diet feels like breaking up with a dear friend, here’s some good news: You don’t have to. Gibeaux encourages us to simply smarten up about our portions. Tailoring your bread intake ensures that you’re not overloading on energy, allowing your body to tap into its fat reserves without feeling deprived. She suggests sticking to roughly 80g of bread for breakfast and around 60g for dinner as a good rule of thumb.
But it’s not just about how much bread you eat; the kind of bread you choose matters too. Opting for whole-grain varieties over their refined, white counterparts can make a world of difference in keeping your blood sugar levels steady and your belly full longer.
Mind the salt, though. Bread’s hidden salt content can sneak up on you, causing water retention issues. Watching your salt intake is crucial, considering a typical baguette might already be pushing the limits of your daily recommendations.
**Une Diététicienne Dévoile Ses Astuces pour Continuer à Consommer du Pain lorsqu’on Veut Maigrir**
This article first appeared on grazia.fr – Author: Dallo Dramé
